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Youngest Twins Born in Britain at 23 Weeks Show Progress

By Anne Collins | Update Date: Jan 31, 2017 07:47 PM EST

Twins Annabelle and Imogen Weir were born at just 23 weeks premature; they could fit in just one hand. Their parents from Paisley, Scotland, thought the twins would die. The twins were born 3 days under their 24th week, which also happens to be the legal limit for abortion.

The identical sisters are considered to be record-breaking as the youngest twins ever recorded in Britain. The twins were born unexpectedly on April 3, 2016. Annabelle weighed 15.05 oz at 12:48 AM and Imogen was 1lb and 1/2oz at 12:58 AM in an extremely fragile state.

They endured multiple blood transfusions and emergency surgeries where they spent four months in the hospital. Doctors feared their skin might tear and did not put clothes on them for 100 days. Claire had to breastfeed them through a tube in their noses.

They are now home and are ten-months-old with their parents James and Claire in Paisley. They continue to amaze doctors with their progress. The twins still weigh only 11 and 12lb and wear sized 0-3 month baby clothes.

Clair said "The consultant told us that if the girls had been born just two years ago they wouldn't have survived - that's how fast medical technology is advancing. They have surprised everyone. They will always be our little miracles."

At seven weeks Claire experienced some bleeding. That was when they discovered during a scan they'd be expecting twins. James didn't expect twins as there was no history in their family.

According to Daily Mail, Claire's 20-week scan showed the twins growing well. But at 22-and-a-half weeks her waters broke. She went straight to the hospital, got admitted when doctors found she was 2cm dilated.

Doctors at The Royal Alexandria Hospital in Paisley told them that they would not be able to provide resuscitation for infants born under 28 weeks. She had to be transferred to the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow according to Mirror.

The couple was extremely grateful for the incredible care that they raised more than £1,700 for the Princess Royal Maternity Baby Fund.

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